ECS band, choral director recognized for Education Excellence

Last updated: July 22. 2014 4:27PM - 558 Views

By Tanya Chilton tchilton@civitasmedia.com

Tonya Smith, center, receives the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Excellence Award and was credited for her influence in increasing art appreciation within the Elkin City Schools curriculum.

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Tonya Smith, center, receives the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Excellence Award and was credited for her influence in increasing art appreciation within the Elkin City Schools curriculum.

Elkin City Schools Superintendent Dr. Randy Bledsoe recently presented the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Excellence Award to school system middle and high school choral and band director Tonya Smith.

Bledsoe called her work with the band phenomenal and spoke about her high energy for music.

“The biggest winners are her students,” said Bledsoe.

He said Smith is creating a whole new generation for the appreciation of the arts and their importance in influencing the ECS curriculum.

At the awards ceremony, it was emphasized an area that showcases Smith’s pride of her program is found in the many students local, regional and state competitions. Her students have performed in All-County Band and Chorus and performed in the North Carolina All-State music competitions.

It also was highlighted at the awards presentation that many weekends are reserved in Smith’s schedule for taking music students to Mars Hill, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh and other sites that hold competitions.

Many of Smith’s students are enrolled in various universities in music programs, following a love for music created by this Educator of the Year, said Bledsoe.

Tanya Chilton may be reached at 336-835-1513 or on Twitter @TanyaTDC.

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